Have you considered the Ayre AX-7e Integrated amp? I am using the the Ayre AX-7e Integrated amp to drive my Sonus Faber Domus Speakers. I have the Ayre CX-7e CD player and the Magnum Dynalab MD-102T Tube FM Tuner. The AX-7e has plenty of power to drive my SF Domus Speakers. The overall sound quality is excellent and the tube like quality of the Ax-7e make these speakers really stand out. I was very surprised at how good the system sounds and so were my friends. I suggest you listen to the Ayre AX-7e Integrated amp in your system. cheers...

I prefer integrateds for my use. You can get a fantastic integrated in the price range you are considering. If it were me, I'd include the Accuphase E-450 or E-550, Luxman integrateds, JRDG Continuum 500, and ASR Emitter. Denjo at Audiocircle went through a year long odyssey trying out integrateds and ended up with the E-450.

Ggeifman: I´ve owned the AX-7e and found it to be a very nice integrated in its price range and slightly above. But I´m looking for the "best" solution out of an integrated.

Foster 9: I already "enjoyed" the big E-550 and despite its nice build quality and flexibility I stumbled a bit over the quite old fashion looks and the quite boring and sterile sound.

Currently I strongly think about the JRDG 500 but I´m a bit afraid of hifish sound due to its ICE power amp which is said to sound a bit special. I love the looks and the build quality of the Rowland, unfortunately nobody in my area carries this device for listening. Any special comments on the 500 ?

Frankpiet, contact member Guidocorona for comments on the JRDG 500. Since the Accuphase E-550 sounded boring and sterile to you, I'd think something was wrong in that setup. (maybe the amp/speaker match or source) I'd also add the relatively new to the market Esoteric A100 to my audition list as well. Let us know about your decision.

Your note above says you are looking for the "best" solution out of an integrated. Have you looked at Pass Labs first integrated amplifier INT-150? I have not heard the unit but it looks very interesting. seehttp://passlabs.com/pdf/product%20lit/int-150-lit_lres.pdf

I've reviewed both the Plinius and a Luxman. No contest. Luxman. Unless you like an ultrabright, detailed, etched, solid state sound. And you'd better have lots of current avialable in your room. It is starved for current. If that sounds like you, then go for the Plinius.

I've reviewed both the Plinius and a Luxman. No contest. Luxman. Unless you like an ultrabright, detailed, etched, solid state sound. And you'd better have lots of current avialable in your room. It is starved for current. If that sounds like you, then go for the Plinius.Jimaxp (Threads | Answers)

Ditto Heyanming, I never read a similar description of the Plinius 9200 like that ever.

Jimaxp, I've owned the Plinius 9200 and your description is nothing like I ever heard. The Plinius was smooth with nice highs, and not typical of many solid state designs. It just goes to prove the point that from system to system, the cables, speakers, room, ancillary gear and quality of power can drastically alter the performance of any high end gear.

I´ve started auditioning Luxman L-590 AII vs Accuphase E-550. While the Luxman was on the rather warm and "mellow" side with nice transparency and detail the Accuphase was as stated in this thread by someone very linear and "lifeless" (boring) sounding although beeing pure Class A. Looking both at their respective asking prices and design which is rather hifi than high-end both devices were rather disappointing to me.Next on my audition list are Gryphon Atilla and Lindemann.

Couldn´t get hold of the Atilla as it is not ready for delivery yet. But had a chance to compare the Gamut Di-150 to the Lindemann. To me it was a no brainer. The Gamut was the much more engaging and dynamik device with lots of detail and great transparency. The Lindeman wasn´t bad but not on par with the Gamut but to my ears better than the Accuphase and the Luxman.

I have heard wonderful things about the Vitus SS-010 - has anybody ever heard this device beeing stated as one of the very very best integrated amps ?

I've owned the JRDG Concentra(1), Concerto (which I still have), and in between the mac 6900 - I have not heard the 7000 or the Continuum 500. The Concentra is still one of my favorite all time amps, although I never was able to compare it directly to the Concerto, and several years and homes have passed in between. As for the McIntosh, it was a great amp, although they are so big that I felt like I might have just gone with separates. The new JRDG amps are more compact, if that matters. As for sound, I think the Rowland amps have a bit more clarity and quietness, though as always I'd want to hear them side by side for an extended comparison. I would not classify either as 'warm'. And then system synergy is probably even more of a factor. Mac has a better resale value it seems. Rowland has a better warranty. I prefer the Rowland (I also have mine paired with the PC-1, which the Continuum 500 comes with). It looks great, sounds fantastic, and build quality is outstanding - I don't worry about maintenance.